Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
The rest of MLB better take notice because the Washington Nationals expressed in a big way how dangerous they can be when they have a full lineup.
While the season has been disappointing by preseason standards, the Nationals have had their fair share of injuries that have certainly hurt their ability to win ball games. However, with the last remaining starter on the DL coming off of it today, catcher Wilson Ramos, the Nationals reminded MLB that they are serious postseason contenders.
Granted, it came against the lowly Milwaukee Brewers, but it was an impressive offensive showing nonetheless. Also, this type of play for the Nats is starting to become a little more frequent the closer we get to the All-Star break.
Ian Desmond, Jayson Werth, and Wilson Ramos all reached base at least three times for the Nationals today with Werth reaching first in all four appearances by going 3-for-3 with a walk. Ramos’ return today was nothing short of fantastic by going 3-for-4 with five RBI and the go-ahead three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning.
In total, the Nats racked up eight runs on 11 hits. They were able to back up second-time starting pitcher Taylor Jordan who lasted just 5.2 innings and gave up two runs on six hits. Drew Storen once again blew a lead in his relief effort by giving up three runs in the top of the seventh that allowed the Brewers to tie the game up.
But today’s game was more about the Nationals’ ability to be able to string hits together and gather RBI. They didn’t waste opportunities when they had runners on base and, especially, in scoring position.
In the past five games, the Nationals have scored at least eight runs three times including a 13-2 drubbing of the New York Mets in New York. As players begin to return from the DL with that last remaining piece coming back today, Washington is beginning to find its swing.
They don’t need to score eight-to-ten runs per game in order to win ballgames, but that certainly would be awesome if you’re a Nationals fan. However, we should be able to expect four-to-five runs per game out of the Washington Nationals on a nightly, or at least bi-nightly, basis.
Keep your heads up and don’t lose your Natitude, Nats fans. Things are starting to show signs of a team turnaround. The second half of the season is going to be a blast to watch in Washington.
Brian Skinnell is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
